ON TAP: 2012 FSU Football Breakdown, Wide Receiver

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Video: FSU Rashad Greene 2011 Highlights

ON TAP this week is the Wide Receiver position. The Seminoles have as many quality names at Wide Receiver as the Samuel Adams beer line. Grab a Summer Shandy and enjoy this week’s 2012 FSU football breakdown.

At the top of the list is Rashad Greene. Rashad has all the tools to be one of the top receivers in the nation this year. He fits the prototypical modern receiver build at 6’1 180 lbs. Word around Tallahassee is that Rashad has put on some good weight for the upcoming season. Greene is a contortionist with great hands and a knack for finding the football in the air. He is fast and runs good sharp routes. Above all, Rashad is only a sophomore and seems to be coachable. In his freshman campaign, Greene caught 38 balls for 596 yards and 7 touchdowns. Greene only played 9 of 13 games last year and still led the Noles in almost every receiving category. The youngin’ really came into his own late in the season and had a great Bowl Game against Notre Dame. Rashad is the no doubt #1 option for E.J. Manuel this year and is poised to put up huge numbers.

Following Rashad Greene is a plethora of playmaking talent headed by Christian Green (So.), Rodney Smith (Sr.), and Kenny Shaw (Jr.). Christian Green was another great surprise for the Noles last year as the freshman put up 26 catches for 450 yards. Green will likely be the slot receiver this year. He has elusive speed and finds himself on a lot of deep routes on the bootleg.

Rodney Smith is the elder and most tested WR. Smith is a perfect third option who will play on the outside, opposite Rashad Greene in most sets. Smith is big and strong, and can go get the ball. He put up 561 yards on 36 catches last season.

Kenny Shaw should be no surprise this year, and could end up being the best receiver on this team. Shaw put up 418 yards on 34 catches and 4 touchdowns in last year’s campaign.

Greg Dent (Jr.) and Jarred Haggins (Jr.) will fill in as needed in five wide sets and when the others need a rest. Both are athletic and would be starters on most teams in the ACC. Greg Dent could be the surprise this year. His athleticism and blocking ability may help him to find his way on the field more than expected.

At Tight End the Noles have the “famous by association” Nick O’Leary (So.). O’Leary is the nephew of golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Nick is an easy fan favorite. He is hard-nosed, ugly on the field, stumbles and bumbles his way around, and plays the game the way it is supposed to be played. It is obvious that Nick has fun on the gridiron. Nick will do anything to win a game, and had a surprisingly productive freshman season for the Noles. As the only TE on the team with experience expect to see a lot of him.

Florida State has six solid WR’s. Any of these young men could be the best receiver on the team this year. The competition between these players should be great. For Seminole fans, this is going to be one of the most exciting positions to watch this year. E.J. Manuel should help make these guys look like world class studs.

Next ON TAP is the Seminole’s stable at Running Back.

More ON TAP for FSU >> ON TAP: 2012 FSU Football Breakdown, The Almighty Quarterback Position

Who will be the best WR for the Noles in 2012?